A podcast designed to empower you with cutting-edge insights and practical strategies to transform your health and wellness. Hosted by Dr. Ward, a seasoned functional medicine practitioner with over a decade of experience in functional medicine, this podcast dives into crucial topics like hormonal balance, brain health and the root causes of chronic illness. Whether you're seeking solutions for lingering health issues or striving to optimize your well-being, join us and discover how small changes can lead to profound transformations.
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Beyond Carrots: The Gut–Eye–Brain Connection to Prevent Vision Loss
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 • Duration 38:24
What if protecting your eyesight has less to do with carrots—and more to do with your gut, brain, and mitochondria?
In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. Rani Banik to discuss the root causes of vision loss, the macular carotenoids that truly matter, precision eye testing, red light therapy, and the future of regenerative eye care.
Rudrani Banik is a board-certified neuro-ophthalmologist and functional medicine physician who bridges conventional neurology and integrative eye care. She is the author of Beyond Carrots and the creator of the Ageless Eyes program, focused on preventing vision loss through root-cause medicine, nutrition, and advanced diagnostics.
🎧 The Eye-Q Podcast
The Eye-Q Podcast is hosted by Dr. Rani Banik, America’s Integrative Neuro-Ophthalmologist, as she explores the powerful brain–eye connection. Learn about the latest technological advancements in vision and brain health, and discover how science intersects with a holistic approach grounded in nutrition and lifestyle—while raising your Eye-Q on all things eye and brain-related.
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Anshul Gupta, board-certified physician and Hashimoto’s expert, about why conventional thyroid care falls short and how functional medicine addresses the root causes of autoimmunity. We discuss the mito-thyroid connection, the five primary triggers of Hashimoto’s, and advanced strategies like peptides and cautious detoxification. This conversation offers practical, science-based steps for reversing autoimmune thyroid disease and restoring energy.
Dr. Anshul Gupta is a board-certified physician and former Cleveland Clinic practitioner who specializes in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and autoimmune disease reversal. His work focuses on identifying root causes—including mitochondrial dysfunction, toxins, infections, and nutrient deficiencies—to help patients lower antibodies, restore thyroid function, and regain vitality.
The Hormone Secret That Could Transform Your Menopause, Energy & Longevity
Episode 42
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 • Duration 43:21
On this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. Serena and Dr. Heidi—two naturopathic doctors specializing in functional medicine and hormone health—to discuss Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).
They break down what makes BHRT different from traditional hormone replacement therapy, how it supports longevity, and why optimizing hormones is key for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.
You’ll learn how hormones influence muscle, brain, heart, and bone health, and the role of lifestyle factors like nutrition, gut health, and strength training in hormone balance. The doctors also share best practices for candidate screening, dosing, and safe hormone delivery methods.
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Dr. Serena and Dr. Heidi explain how Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy supports longevity, brain and bone health, and graceful aging. Learn how hormone balance, nutrition, gut health, and heavy lifting all work together to optimize vitality during perimenopause and menopause.
How to Finally Get Answers When Chronic Illness Keeps Coming Back
Episode 41
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 • Duration 46:48
On this episode of The Functional Edge, I sit down with Dr. Myriah Hinchey, a licensed naturopathic physician and expert in chronic complex diseases like Lyme, other vector-borne illnesses, and Long COVID. Dr. Hinchey shares her holistic, root-cause approach to chronic illness—focusing on the underlying causes rather than just managing symptoms.
We explore how she diagnoses and treats complex infections, including Lyme co-infections, her tiered treatment model, immune system rebuilding, gut restoration sequencing, and the role of limbic retraining for nervous system health. Dr. Hinchey also dives into the impact of COVID spike protein reactivation in patients with prior Lyme remission and strategies for healing.
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Dr. Myriah Hinchey discusses functional medicine approaches to Lyme, Long COVID, vector-borne disease, immune system rebuilding, gut restoration, and chronic disease recovery.
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Dr. Myriah Hinchey is a licensed naturopathic physician specializing in Lyme disease, chronic vector-borne illnesses, Long COVID, and pediatric special needs. With 17 years of experience, she focuses on a holistic, root-cause approach to chronic complex disease, combining herbal therapeutics, immune system support, gut restoration, and nervous system retraining.
On this episode of The Functional Edge, I sit down with Steve Adams, CEO of Tiger Medical Institute and host of the Tiger Health podcast, to explore the power of personalized root cause care. Steve shares his journey from building a $100 million business and facing burnout at age 50 to discovering functional medicine and transforming his own health through advanced testing and lifestyle interventions.
We dive into how Steve now helps high-achieving men “exit strong” by extending their health span and preventing disease before it starts. From stress and sleep protocols to microvascular testing and rebuilding the glycocalyx, you’ll learn actionable strategies to optimize health and longevity.
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Steve Adams discusses personalized root cause care, functional medicine, microvascular health, and strategies for longevity and proactive executive health.
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Steve Adams is CEO of Tiger Medical Institute, host of the Tiger Health podcast, and a pioneer in personalized root cause care. After a decade of chronic stress, poor sleep, and systemic inflammation, Steve transformed his health through functional medicine and now helps high-achieving men extend their health span and optimize their legacy.
Beyond Medicine: How Acupuncture Heals the Body, Mind & Fertility with Dr. Sonya Patel
Episode 39
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 • Duration 39:50
On this episode of The Functional Edge, I sit down with Dr. Sonya Patel, an acupuncturist and integrative medicine expert, to explore how blending Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western approaches can transform reproductive health, pain management, trauma recovery, and overall well-being.
Dr. Patel shares her journey—from finding relief from migraines as a teen to recovering from a severe injury with acupuncture—to building a career bridging Eastern and Western medicine. We dive into the ways acupuncture and herbal therapies can support fertility, microvascular health, cognition, trauma recovery, detoxification, and even facial renewal.
You’ll also learn about creative tools like her People’s Guide to Fertility Coloring Book, which combines TCM wisdom, humor, and anatomy to engage patients in fun and meaningful ways.
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Dr. Sonya Patel discusses integrative medicine, acupuncture, and herbal therapies for fertility, pain, trauma recovery, and overall well-being.
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Dr. Sonya Patel is a licensed acupuncturist and integrative medicine expert who blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western approaches. She works with leading institutions like MD Anderson, Baylor, and Memorial Hermann, focusing on fertility, pain management, trauma recovery, detoxification, and facial renewal.
Feeling Stuck in Your Healing? How Naturopathic Medicine Can Turn Things Around with David Wikenheiser
Episode 38
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 • Duration 31:33
On this episode of The Functional Edge, I sit down with David Wikenheiser, a naturopathic and regenerative medicine expert, to explore a whole-body approach to healing that blends traditional naturopathic wisdom with cutting-edge regenerative therapies.
David shares his philosophy of whether a person is “broken or just out of gas” and walks us through his three-step approach to health: feed, clean, and balance the energy. From nutrition and hydration to advanced interventions like PRP injections, nerve hydrodissection, and ozone therapy, you’ll learn how regenerative medicine can restore function, reduce chronic pain, and support immune health.
We also dive into patient care strategies, including setting realistic expectations, addressing discouragement, and giving patients momentum in their healing journey. David shares insights into the future of integrative medicine, including the promise of peptide therapy for tissue regeneration.
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David Wikenheiser shares his approach to naturopathic and regenerative medicine, covering chronic pain, immune support, and advanced therapies like PRP, nerve hydrodissection, and ozone therapy.
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David Wikenheiser is a naturopathic and regenerative medicine expert known for combining traditional healing principles with modern regenerative tools. He helps patients address chronic pain, injuries, and complex immune conditions through targeted therapies, nutrition, lifestyle optimization, and advanced interventions.
The Surprising Way Shame Affects Your Body and Well-Being
Episode 37
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 • Duration 45:24
In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. Maria DeFranco, a holistic chiropractor specializing in the pelvic bowl, embodiment practices, and musculoskeletal health. Together, they explore the intersection of shame, sexual health, and intimacy, and how our bodies hold both connection and disconnection.
Dr. DeFranco shares how shame and childhood conditioning impact the pelvic floor, posture, and the ability to feel present in intimacy. They discuss practical ways to cultivate authentic connection, including presence exercises, non-sexual touch, intention-setting, and communication strategies that deepen safety and pleasure.
Listeners will gain insights into addressing sexual pain, low desire, and the broader experience of intimacy beyond performance or orgasm—redefining success as a shared, energizing, and life-giving exchange.
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Dr. Julia Ward and Dr. Maria DeFranco explore pelvic health, intimacy, shame, and sexual well-being—offering tools for presence, communication, and redefining connection beyond performance.
Dr. Maria DeFranco is a holistic chiropractor specializing in the pelvic bowl, embodiment practices, and musculoskeletal health. She supports individuals and couples in cultivating presence, safety, and authentic intimacy, helping them move beyond shame, trauma, and performance-focused sexual experiences.
What Your Gut Says About Your Health: Functional Medicine Insights with Daniel Chille
Episode 36
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 • Duration 42:23
In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Daniel Chille, a functional medicine practitioner, to explore the principles of root cause medicine, the gut-brain connection, and the transformative potential of peptide therapy.
Daniel shares his "Foundation Five" pillars—Eat Right, Sleep Right, Move Right, Talk Right, and Poop Right—which form the basis of his patient-centered approach. He emphasizes that chronic disease often begins in the gut, affecting mental health, immunity, and overall wellness.
You’ll learn how stress and trauma impair digestion through the vagus nerve, why elimination is critical for health, and how advanced testing like GI-Map and Gut Zoomer can reveal hidden issues. Daniel also dives into peptide therapy for gut healing, cognitive support, and inflammation—but stresses that foundational health must come first.
Daniel Chille explains root cause medicine, the gut-brain connection, and peptide therapy—revealing how foundational lifestyle choices and advanced diagnostics support optimal health.
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Daniel Chille is a functional medicine practitioner focused on root cause medicine, gut-brain health, and peptide therapy. He emphasizes lifestyle foundations—nutrition, sleep, movement, mindset, and proper elimination—as essential for chronic disease prevention and healing. He uses advanced diagnostics and peptide protocols to restore gut and cognitive health.
In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with John Bohde, founder of MoldPros, to explore how his company helps families detect, prevent, and remediate mold in their homes. With over 15 years of experience and eight nationwide locations, MoldPros combines advanced technology, scientific testing, and a deep understanding of environmental illness to protect health—especially for patients with mold-related conditions like Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
You’ll learn how mold inspections really work, what the most accurate testing methods are, and how MoldPros’ patented remediation process removes both mold and mycotoxins. John also shares simple prevention tips for protecting your home, such as managing humidity, using the right filters, and proper storage.
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John Bohde, founder of MoldPros, explains advanced mold inspection, testing, and remediation strategies—and how his team helps families protect health from mold and mycotoxins.
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John Bohde is the founder of MoldPros, a nationwide leader in mold inspection, testing, and remediation with over 15 years of experience. His company stands out for its science-driven approach, integration with medical providers, and patented process for removing both mold and mycotoxins. MoldPros is committed to helping families safeguard their homes and health, especially those dealing with mold-related illnesses like CIRS.
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